Machine for making slatted material



May 12, 1959 E. T. SMYTHE 'MACHINE FOR MAKING SLATTED MATERIAL FiiedAug. 2, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 l www l www m May 12, 1959 E. T. SMYTHE2,886,069

MACHINE FOR MAKING SLATTED MATERIAL Filed Aug. 2, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2May 12, 1959 E. T. SMYTHE 2,886,069

MACHINE: FOR MAKING SLATTED MATERIAL Filed Aug. 2, 1956 l 5 Sheets-SheetS5 376 0 Z300 /77 3/7 /l 752 255 29a f5 /23/ 76 faz 247 www May 12, 1959E. T. SMYTHE 2,886,069

MACHNE FOR MAKING SLATTED MATERIAL iFiled Aug. 2, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4mlllllllllllllllll 'A HTTORNEYS May 12, 1959 'E. T. sMYTHE 2,886,069

MACHINE FOR MAKING SLAITED MATERIAL Filed Aug. 2, 1956 5 sheets-sheet 5/53 /65 fao l 63 I A/ adjustment to suit the United States Parent w i2,ss6,`o69 p `MACHINE FoR MAKING SLATTED MATERIAL Edwin T.Smythe`,Tacoma,iWash., assigner to Artcraft Venetian Blind ManufacturingCompany of St. Louis,

St. Louis, Mo., a corporationof Missouri Application August `2, 1956,Serial No. 601,834 i 20 Claims. (Cl. 139-1`1)` l The presentV invention`is a machine for making slatted material or a fabric of` slats.` Moreparticularly, the machine can be illustrated in connection lwith themanufacture of a fabric or material consisting of a plurality ofelongated slats formed ofplastic or the like material Woven together byaplurality: of spaced cord arrangecurtain or a blind. i p

The purpose of the machine isto take strip material, such as polystyrenestrips of concavo-convex cross sec`` tion, from a `supply such as acoil,cut the same, notch it at intervals along `its length-on its oppositeedges to left of Figure 2;

` taken on the line 8-8 of Figure g 2,886,069 Patented May 12, 1959 iceFigure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken approxi- 5-5 near the righteind` of Figure 2;

tion, of a portion of Figure 2 illustratinga drag brake for the maindrive shaft;

ments so that the ultimate fabric can be` rolled up ifi desired. Thefabric, for example, may be used asi-,a`

`Figure 1l is a lfragmentary sectional viewidemonstrab" ing the mounting`for a micro switch supporting rod;

`Figure`l2 is areproduction on `an enlarged scale of of one of theoperating heads of the machine;4 ,p

Figure` 13 is a front-to-rear section through anl operating head takenon the line 13-13 of Figure 12; x

Figure 14`is a section through 2'? of a stacking slide plate;

receive the p cords, `and weave it with the cords into the i fabric, allwithout requiring any manual action.

The present machine has a feeding means incorporating` a Ashearingdevice to `take the strip materialfromsthe supply and cut it, after anappropriate length has been" fed into the machine. `The amount fedin issubject to ofthe fabric beingmade.` Thereupon, in properlycoordinatedmanner, `the machine punches the notches on opposite edgesofthe strips at, variouspositionsalong its length, `the. strip beingheld `in proper position with respect `topunches and dies Whileythe'action' occurs.` After it is notched, the strip is` displaced intoits/ultimate" position adjacentthe 'next previouslyfonned strip in thefabric, and is, `in the process, tted between two` cords that are -usedto weave the material into the fabric. The cords Iare drawn tight andthenew strip added to `the fabric is held snugly in place. Then the machineturns` the two` cords of each set` so ythat `they cross over onfthe freeside of the `newly added strip, prior to theintroduc` tion of a newstrip. The angle or apex ofthe angleV of the cords from the last formedstripforms the receiving means for the next strip. Y i i It is anobjectof this invention toprovide a machine that will do all oftheforegoing functions ofjfeeding -1 a strip of lany ldesired length,shearing the same from ing it to the previously formed fabric, andcrossing over f`55 the supply, punching it to `provide the notches,-deliver`` the cords after it is `formed to receive a subsequent strip;

Other objects include the provision ofmeans for `operating the machineto accommodate `strips of different lengths, so that the Width of theultimate fabric can be adjusted. Also, it is an object to provide amachine that canbe; changed `to accommodate stripmaterial of different"Widths or to provide notches simple substitution of lent means.

of different `shapes by a Other objects of the invention will appearfrom,the

description to follow.

Figurel `is a plan view of the machine; Figure` 2 is a front`elevational view; Figure 3 is a right end view of the machine;

Figure 4 is a rearelevational view, partly in section taken approxi# andpartly `broken away atthe bottom, mately on the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

conditions 'i or `the desired` width` punch and die setsor otherequivaheads removed from -the machine;

"i Uguide tube;

.Figure l5 is` a vertical section through the operating head taken onthe lines 14`14 and U15-,15 of Figure` 13; Figure 16 is an enlargedhorizontal section through the'operatinghead taken on the'line 16-16 ofFigure jl5` with the slide in' rearward position;

Figure 17 is `a view similar to Figure 16` with the slide in forwardposition;

`Figure 18 is a fragmentary view illustrating a springing fingerv takenon the line 18-18 at the right of Figure` 16; i pin takeny `on 1 `Figure`19 is a vertical section of a stop the line19-19 at the middle-left ofFigure 17; Figure 20 is a `detail View of the =ure 19;

lFigure 21 is a bottom view of Figure 22 is an end View the rear inFigures 16 and 17;

`Figure23 is a side elevational view of ,the4 diel block;

seen from the `left side in Figures 16` and"l7;

` Figure 24 lis a plate;

Figure 24 Figure 26 is a transverse vertical section "of the slideplateA taken approximately on the line` 26-"-26at the "lower middle axisof Figure 17; v, i

-Figuref27 is a top plan view of the punch block;

Figure`28 is a bottom scale; i

Figure 29 is a detail view of a conventionalmicro "lyswitch, itsdisposition relatively to a strip guidelbeing,

shown schematically; p, j ,v p i Figure 30 isa View of the micro switch`asseen from. the opposite side;

"Figure 31 is a Figure 32 is a left end elevation thereof; Figure 33 isa section on an line 33.-33 of Figure 31;

` Figure 34 is a guides; c j a j i Figure 35 is a vertical sectionthrough `one of the string tensioning devices;

perspective view of` one of the strip `corporated into the assembly of`Figure 35; 4

Figure 36 is a perspective viewlof a ,stringfguideine Figure 37 is aplan view of one of apluralitylof down elements included in the machine;

the line 6.--46l near lthe upper of the cutot`t`mechanism 4a fragmentaryportion of Figure l illustrating a planvievv an operating head` taken outhe line 14-14 of Figure 13, illustratingthe mountingpin included inFigf one `of the operating of a die block` seen from i plan view of therear end of` a slide;

Figure 25 is `a vertical vsection on the -line 25-`25 of plan viewthereof on an enlarged side elevation partly inlsection of a string`enlarged scale taken on the Figure 38 isa sectionalview through thehold-down element, illustrating. how. it. ismounted;

Figure 39 is a fragmentary plan view of a punched strip;

Figure 40. is an.invertedplanviewofa portion thereof; 5

,Figllfe 4,1.'isa. small scaleview of. the'product; 1igi'1re142isv anenlarged. reproduction. of` ar fragmentaryportionh f `Figure.4lshowing.the top side o'f the'v slatted material;

Eigurel illustratesthe. reverse side of Figure 42; Figure 4.4;.1isanenlarged sectionthrough the product along the line 44--44 ofFigure..42; .and

Ejgurek- 4,5 is aschematicdemonstration. of a part of the weavingoperation."

`.'lhez purpose. ofthis. machine is. toreceive Stripmaterial, whichmaybe plastic, metal, or..the likerto feedtheimaterialto the machine.toshearit into slats of. appropriatelengthalo continue the feedv oftheslatsvin succession, to notch each slat, and then weave it intoamaterialor fabric. Reference, to Figure 4l will. show that thef bricyis lrmade up. of ai plurality vof slats that are wqver1 .together. atseveral points along their lengths, the number. of suchweavings beingdependent on. the length of the slats.A Withoutgoing, intodetail atthispoint-we` maxlfurtherreferto FiguresAZ, 43 and 44,'which show thatthe slats are. oppositely notched on their edges wherev tllfwaylngislgcated. Figure .45 shows .that the weavingdisprodueed, byvacombination of two cords.` Theniachine not only notches theslatsontheirf opposite. edges" aytdrthel appropriate` pjoints alongtheir'. lengths, but

' herfstrips.. withthe. cords to produce the` Linrffigures,.4l-+1,23. Yu mach .consistsjofa base vor, supportgenerally`y designated 60 at oneside of which there isa-feeding and cute@ apparatusigenerally,designated. 61; and on. the top of which there is a punching,packingrandrweaving.. aparatusl, geliterallyl designated. as A 62.; Thepunching, paeliip landrweaving:mechanism 62 includes. a. large`niikrunbergoaf operatinglheads, someor.. all' of whichmay be connected:for.:operation..y In the.,descrip.tion.toV follQWjgthgexplanationwillilargely. belimited to one. typical opierating head.

Inldetaihlthe 'pbaseorpfralm'e v.60,.includes a plurality. of uprights`or legs 67-74.`inlus iye,.that, may ,be formed..=ofi angletodclg as.illustr-at'el. The legsL may be jsecured to bottom plate 75 which may bei.ofany appropriate'shape.. Mihafeprothafferit1ess167-70iareioinred by.an angle t 76. The right end legsJOgandgl ELIG-J'Quedrbyan angle 77;theyaertical angenpf which Irray..l betpartlyrcutV awayas illustrated inFigure 3. The back legs, 71-74 are joined-' @1MM-$011.@ ,an enel@78.f.ar,1. 1.1he .right end; legs L67: and 74 are joined by an angle 79.The .machineiswdesigrled to preceiywewa. strip S ithatmaybesulpplieglfr'emVA awgroll ofI material such as ,a roll.; of iconcave-convex plastic stripnstock approximately. three. quarters'iofanxinchwide. Obviously, other. sizesand otreimaterialsmayibehandleribyrhis machine- The feed and sheer mechanism.

T9411?. salarie-sfr@harraatalleg. 0f. the sureau 82Vis'atta'che'd anVextension support 84 that projetstoJ the. lett as. illvstrefedin.Piante? and the relater serres.

The two walls 85 and 86 support a shaft 89 that drives a feed rollermounted onY the shaft between the two vertical walls 85 and 86. An upperpressure roller 91 is mounted on a short shaft 92, that is supported inan inverted U-shaped bracket 93, so as to move vertically in a verticalslot in the upper parts of the two side walls 85 and 86. Strips 95holdfthe U-shaped bracket 93 Within. the two Walls 35 and 86- A Setsrew9.6 limits the v upward'vmovementof the bracketA 9-34v andtherebyfdetermines themaxirrmm Spacing between. thetwo'rollers; 9,0 arid91 and: hence adiuststhepressure k'chatthe,pressure roller applies tothe stripwS..

The:` lower feed roller 90 is power driven. A motor 1 98 is mounted upona suporting frame 99 extendingleftward from the two frame legs 67 andV741in the manner illustrated. The frame 99 also has vertical uprights100 at its left end that have appropriate bearings to support an pulleyshaft 101. The pulley shaft 1 01 has a LSt pulley-102 connected by abelt 103I to be driven byV the motor'.98-. Ag'second pulley 10'4" on theshaft 101,Hy is connected-'byabeltf105 to 'drive'a' pulley 106imounted1jonltheshaft- 8% l A feeder channel;--guiles the strip S tothe feedrollers whileanother.- sim ilarchannel 1,111- receives thestripr-frnomthefeed1-rollersand e guides'git to; thecutfof mechanism.

The cutoff mechanism includes the shear anvil-Plate' 112: lthatis`.somewhat -T-shaped,- supported on the bracket 82:! f Arsimilarlyshaped` shear plate Y 113 V`is l supported`=on f` the- 'anvilLplate '112%- for l vertical slidingy movement, by;vl fourslidepins-114.' It isurged upwardly by Aafpairs-oL coil spring'slillS. lIts-rght=end,`whichisfthe stern of thie; T, has a -vertical=J shearblade 116"rnounted--' onit; soy

thatdwhengthe shear -plate- 113 isdrivenl d ownwardlythe shear vp1ate116 will; shear-the strip edge against-ftheW rightwhandedgeoftheshearanvill112; 4 v

- AsJindicated; thev spring:1151drives-theshear#platelllri upwardly.vrIts downward-movement isfprodrucedbyrad extends'.A across L `thetoplofthe machine `andiss supportedHz in bearings `as -willfappearf Its :leftend projectsoutover 5 the` shear plate 113 and receives thee cam-vV119i'- thatis*LA keyedl'to it.. This carn, as illustrated in vFigures-8and=;9' l onsSheet! 2,4 hasf-anindentation- 122 at its periphery 4which@otherwise is circularr; A@ cam follower-rollen 123j'is1` mounted @inbrackets on the Itopy of I-the shear plate 111'Yi so. thatrit .-can beheld against the VsurfaceI ofthe-cam-i121 byt-thefspringsI 115;'Whenthecamroller 123 is vin/then4 recess- 122=th`e shear plate 1131is1upsothat -the shear plate--` 116.fis: above the stripedge.. Howevenassoon=as Athe-'calm 121A makes..y a partial revolution l the. shear-plate116Iis A driven downinto shearingposition with-respect to` theshea-lzranvil.: 112l `iandfstaysV ythere :untilwthe -cam n121 courpletesthe revolution.

From the foregoing .-itl lcan be `seenrthatJ-theefeed mechdeliversiterightwarvdly.` inthe drawing, to Ithefshe'ar mech-r.

anism'ravhichy .stops `the `rightwardf` travel-:ofthe -st--rip-y dure.

ing r revolution of :the l cam 119;' and shears J the stripp alld in ,Ycoordination.y with other operations'r interrelatedi =withttheJnQvemcnt-.oftheshaftr120rtfi The .operating ,heads i There; are-.ra'.tpluralityA of L'operating lheads on thermaa chine.; Sincertheyy'.areidentical, l the--desoriptionio onef will-suffice.-for.-.-.all EachAofxthesevheads provides-orv then; Opposite .notching of.` thee-stripeatcertain points iniitsp length and for the supplying of the cordsandvvveavirigl of-ithestrip intqthe fabrica! Figure 12 shows the topView of oneof the .operating-e heads 63 and theiassociatedfviews13;17"and-21f1show other sub-assembliesaandr.assemblies.ofrthis headCmure 12 the operating head 63 is lshownas having a cast-` ingwith twoupright side plates 13,0 and 131 that are L- shaped in side elevation.They are connected at their forward ends by-.a portion 132 integral withthe side rails. A screw 133 passes through this front connecting part`132 `and attaches it to the front frameangle 76.

At the back end over the back angle 78 of therfratme 60, the two siderails 130 and 131` of the operating head casting are joined by a bottomconnection 134 which acts as a base for adie as will later; appear. Thisback connection 134 is attached to the frame by ai` screw 135` whichpasses into it, and through the` angle 78 of the frame 60. t t p `Eachside rail has an upright portion at its rear end. The side rail 130 hasan upright portion 140 and the siderail 131 has a similar uprightportion 141. These rise above the bottom connection 134 at the rear ofthe side rails, and are connected by a rear, vertical wallr142` thatsupports some thread feeding parts as will later appear. t

` The szrz'p-notchng punches .The punching of the strip is produced by axed die and a movable punch normally elevated above the die. The die ismade removable so that it can be serviced and replaced and also so thatthe machine can accommodate different sizes and spacings of notches.There is a` die base 145 that is attached to the bottom plate 134 byfour screws 146. These screws 146 appear `in Figure 21 as passingupwardly through the bottom 134 ofthe head 63. 'I'hey also appear indottedlines in Figures 16 and 17.

The die is illustrated particularly in Figures 16, 17, 22 and 23, at147. It has beveled upper corners with `an increasing bevel towards therear so that its top surface tapers inwardly toward the rear. It isprovided with an appropriate screw hole 148 to receive a screw 149 `bymeans of which it may be removably attached to the die plate 145. Itsupper surface has two holes 150 to rcceivethe punches when the die` isoperated. At itslower left and upper right corners in Figures 16 and 17the die is provided with pin holes 151 by means of which it may beproperly located on the die bed and maybe held from twisting. This is.a` familiar aligning arrangement for dies and need not be described indetail.

The punch element 152 is supported by two iirm springencircled rods 153or equivalent arrangement, that are adequately supported on or securedin the bottom 134 of the casting member. This mounting provides` for theoperation ofthe punch by sliding `it down on the two posts or rods 153which `compresses the springs 154 thereon. These-springs 154 returntherdie head 152 upwardly as far as it may go. l i

The punch head plate 152 supports a punch generally designated 155,which is shown particularly in Figures 13, 27 and 28. The lower side ofthe plate 152 is channeled and the punch plate 155 is secured in thechannel so that it can be held by a screw 156 in proper alignnientagainst displacement. The punch plate has two punch elements, namely, aforward punch element 157 and a` rearward punch element 158, that areremovably secured to it by screws in the manner illustratedin Figure 28.This provides for replacement of the punches, and the dismounting by thescrew 156 provides for the .use of different punch plates to accommodatedifferent sizes and shapes of punchings. The illustrated punches have ashape which includes semi-cylindrical parts that putsemi-circularnotches in the opposite sides of the strips.

2 The punch plate 152 also `supports a roller 160 on its lupper surface,the roller being mounted in appropriate 'angle brackets. This roller 160is urged by the springs 3154 into engagement with arcam 161 that ismounted ton the shaft 120. The shaft 120 is the one that is connectedinto the previously described cutoff cam 119. 1't

therefore is evident that thisfshaft `120 is supported by the variousuprights 140 and 141 of the several operating heads 63, which in turnare mounted on the top o"f the frame 60. Appropriate collars 162 and 163are provided on the ends of the shaft 120 beyond the extreme operatinghead castings, to hold the shafty120 against endwise movement. p u

It Will be evident that the rotation of the shaft120 therefore not onlyrotates the cutoff cam once in each rotation, but also coordinatelyrotates the cams 161 `to depress the punches and punch the strips, onceeach revolution of Ithe shaft 120. As illustrated, the cam l119 operatesthe shear andholds it down -to limit further infeed of strip for arevolution ofthe shaft 120. A" quarter revolution after the shearaction, the cams `161 operate the punches and release them.

It will be understood that the strip is fed rightwardly.

p through the feeding means for predetermined distance that is set by ameans that will later be described.` After it has fed to the rightthatdistance, it strikes a` cutoff `or limit switch which causes theoperation of 'the shaft 120 in a way that will laterbe described torotate the shear cam 119 and operate the shear and stop the infeedof thestrip material, and thereafterto operate the various cams 161 anddepress the punches. The severed and punched material then must be fedforwardly toward the front of the machine, and Woven into the fabricformed with the previously punched and Woven strips, which fabric isbeing accumulated at the front of the machine. This latter performanceis produced by mechanisms associated with the operating heads 63.

The slat punching mechanism Each head 63 has the upper and lower inner`edges of its side rails and 131` grooved as shown in Figure 14. Theupper grooves 165 and 166 receive and guidea slide plate 167, the 'topof which lies flush with the top of the slide rails. The slide 167 isdriven back and forthY within the tracks by an eccentric mechanismillustrated particularly in Figures 13 and 14. The plate 167 has twodepending connecting side plates `168 and 169 secured to its underside.The plate 168`is attached as by screws 170 to a slide 171 that cantravel and be guided within the lower groove 172 in the side rail 130.In like fashion the side plate 169 is secured to a slide 173 thattravels and is guided in the groove 174 in the other side rail 131 ofthe casting. i

At their lower parts the two side plates 168 and 16S` are pinned at 177to a slotted head 178 that is adjustably secured by means 179 to aneccentric follower ring 180. The ring 180 surrounds and is driven by aneccentric cam 181 that `is keyed to a shaft 182. The drive to this shaft182 will be described hereafter. The eccentrics 181 of all the operatingheads are connected to this shaft 182.

The eccentric 181 canmove the plate 167. from a rearward positionillustrated in Figures 13 and 16 to a forward position appearing inFigure 17.

The rear end of the plate 167 is bifurcated so that is has tworearwardly projecting arms 184. At their rear end these arms are turnedup to form fingers 185. When the slide 167 moves forwardly andbackwardly, the two arms 184 move along the sides of the die block 147.

At their rearward ends, the slide `arms 184 are provided with theshoulders 186 at the lower parts of the upturned lingers 185. At theforward ends of the arms 184 there isa shoulder 187 which results fromthe fact that the thickness of the lingers is less than that of theslide `167.

A crosshead 190 slides on the two arms 184 between the fingers and theshoulder 187 as shown especially in Figure 26. This crosshead has itsupper part divided by a groove 191, and its upper surface slopesdownward and backward from an elevation above the top of the slide 167-to an elevationlas low .ast-ther shoulders 186.

-; The :crosshead ..190rhas ..a.dcpending cprong 193 (Figure 267,)passing down .betweenthetwo .arms 184. A.doublearmes :leaf springL 1941satrachedbeiow thefsiideisraud to fthe ,prong I193, `acting with -adownward .force lto hold the `cross'head against .the'npper surfacefof.the arms.184. A.coil.p1ing;195 `is .secured at one of .its ends 'to theprong193 between the blades of the 'leaf spring 194, and at the otherend to a washer 196 that is held-by a screw 197 to the underside ofthe`slideplate .167. Thewasher 196 .overlies ythe .forward end .of theblades'of the leaf spring .to .act .as Aan attachment .thereforz Ontheopposite. sides of the head 63adjacent the'crosshead .190, there. aretwo :depressible stop pins 200. `When, asin .Figure 16, Athe I:slide`plate E167 is in its rearward position, the forward edge .of .the`crosshead 190, .and

thelshoulder .,187 of .theslide .1167, are back'of the forward edges ofvthe pins A200. `When the slide plate y167 is for-ward tas iin.` Figure.17, ithe rear edge of .the crosshead 190 .and the lingers 185 .are just:slightly ahead of the forward edges ofthe pins 2200.

-As illustrated particularly 1in vFigures 19 and 20each pin 200is-.spring lpressed upwardly by coil spring 201 thatmay be mounted as.illustrated in `Figure 19. The upperendv projecting parts ofthepin 200includethe top surfacey 202 that slopes lupwardly vtoward -the.fron t,and the front notch 203.

.As previously noted, -the strip stock is fed into Ithe,

machine fromtheleft side in Figures 1 and 2, moving across =the several.operatingheads so as .to overlie .the several .dies .147. There areguides to aid .in the positioning of the vstrip .with respect to thedie. v

To the right or the outlet side .ofleach operating .head

is a U-shaped guide 207 thathas its left hand edge turned down overthe'side rail'13-1 of'the head 63 adjacent the die block. .It maybe rmly:secured toithehead'63saslby Welding, and it hasfa. length. suicienttotextend rightwardly` andtoverlie the `left sideoflthe adjacent head.This can be understood by noting the extension of the guide.207appearing on fthe .left -sideof Figures 16 and v17., which actually isthe guide that iszsecured to the .nextleftward operating head 63.

The .cross-sectionalshape :of the guide.207 appearsfin Figures ,16, .'17and 18,:it'being apparent .that the lower leg fof the U -shaped guideextendsforwardly'further than the 1upper'leg. These .guides .limit thebackward movementofxthe strip .asit .is fed :through the machine.

:The position. of 'the .forward edge: of vthe strip S;is determined bymovable positioning means. In Figures 1.6, 17 and 1'8 :arefshown.positioning fingers .210 that'are `freely pivotedrat 211to .the side.rail 131 of the operating'head 63. A lligh-t coil:spring.212 yieldablyurges the vfingers 21010 swivel rearwardly.k The upstanding edge ofeach' iinger2l0 slopespfrom the ront'left to .the'rearright asillustratedparticularly inEigures 16 and 17. The end of 11a stripfeeding from left to `right across the .operating headwillrbe deflectedby the angular. surface .backwardly as.faraszpermitted'by thegu-ide 207,and then-will slip past the rear edgerof `the'iin'ger 4210. The iingeryields underinuence of the spring .212 in this action. Thus thezngers.210 coact with thou-shaped .guides207toffix the 'position :Lof :thestrip 'with respect to `the dies 1147. The springlmounting fontheiingers210permits the .strip material 1to`be.displaced forwardlyroutifrom .theguides,

under l.pos'itive, forwardlyapplied .forces'to `be described later.

- .lItlmay be desirabletohaveadditionalfguide deviceszsuch as`those.shown .1in 'Figures 37 and v38. They consist of guide.l ngers ..213:that: are "fastened to .the .uuprights 11240 and 141 of each operatinghead 63, by screws '214 .that enter rholes 215. .These holes 1215 arevillustrated in Figures ;.16and 17 without .they guides vbeing .present-in thosegures. This is done. foripurposcs` of clarity. 'The .'guide;fingers 213 amay .have felt linings '.216 .underneath .themzzsowas .totprevent .injury-.to .the slat material, fwhich mst movessin its:original strip v:formlfrom leftnto right of '.the .machine .and.then=moves-forwardly as it .is .woven into. what :is here .called.theiabric (Mechanism for Weaving tht'riisonto the .slatstocflc-f'located, the cords 'arecrosse'dover '1o diver-ge'iin the=op positedirection, .so that 'fthe "next slat can lne-@slipped oe` tween them butcannot voverlap the previous slat *beyond the amount 'permitted by theLnotching. v l L The machine provides twoV spools of cord for each head.They :are supported on afframe T225 1at-the 1rearfof fthe machine, aslshown'espersiall-yin fFigureB. j

"The frame i225 includes 2a frontspoolrail226iandfa back `spool rail 227l(Fig. F1) that are supported Tby ap-' propriate bracing back` df the@machine near its upper part.- The rra'ils 226 and 227 Isupport faplurality fof `vupwardly extending pins 228 and 229, respectively. 2

One supply rolltof-cord' 230 goes over each of the pins 228, andanothersupplyroll of cord 231 goes over eachof 'the pins '229. "Thecor'd's 230and 231are drawn lllpwardlyV from tl\1ero`lls,`.over"round bars '232`and 233,y respectively. vv-These f-bars'extend `across vthevrnachinetfrom side to lside, vand kare lsupported iby 'T -headed*columns 234 atloppositefends 'offtheiframe 225.

The framework 22S 4'also has `an-elevated supportrail 235 *upon which.are mounted -a plurality of `tensioning devices 236, thercfbeing onesuch vfor eachheajdrandeach pair of cords230 fand231. *Sinceallfcording-sys'tems are identical, only one will be described indetail.

"-In Figure "35, the tensioning device '236 is Ish'o'wn ashavingtwoopposedgdished washers A237 that 'are' mounted upon a verticalpin 238 supported -upon thefra1 ne Av235 in such wisefthat the lowerrwas'heris spacedabovethe lower 'end-of-'th'e pin. AT his pin 'also ismounted-withinfa U-shapedf cord guidei240whichis separatelyillustratedinFigure 36, itlhavin'g-'one'setof`holes'241'for'the cord 230 and anothersetfo`f'holes242forthecord 1231. Itttherefore "directs the two 'icordsVbetween the-tensioninglwashers.

The ltensirnr'on Ethe washers is `maintained by `la fcol spring '-24'4surrounding 1 thepin T238, with its compressive force adjustable by aingerfnut'245.` 'Oneofthe cords is thusy guided -by :Lthe Tholesli241'-tov pass ybetween 1 thelwashers 237 yon one sside'offthe=pin238, andthe-otherfcord is guided'by ltheholes "-2421'to 'pass betweenthewas'hers onrtheV other side of 'thefpin 238.` l

,Fl-"orwardlyof'` the tensioningdevice 236, fthe two lcords pass into a:guide tube .247 that is supported in the back verticalwall'f142fofthe-casting 134=of the lhead 63. vThe guide tube 247 isattached in aflanged bearing .248 =that is appropriately journaledin the'wall 142,*so that itfmay rocktherein. i

fAslsh'own especially in vFigures A31, 321 and 33,1thegui`detube1247-lhas a Apair ofopposite notched openings .25.0 and251 at itsrforwardedge. A disci252 iszpermanently ttedintothe openzforwardendofxthe .tube.247, thereby to separate the twol notchedfopenings.25.0. Onerofkthexcords 2301an'd :23.11isfthreadedthrough eachoftheiholesi250 and251. Theseholes, therefore,zima.in tainttheztwo.cordszin.diametricallyfopposite :positions with respect tothe`guide.t11be..2:47. The tbeoscillates 18.0. about its vown axis, l'so.that .'rst :one Vof :the fcords and then the other vis at '.the top.'..flheoscillatingmechanism will nowbezdescribed.

Bach :guide ztnbe. hasfa `sprocket wheel L 255 secured :to it as bysetscrews, as illustrated in Figure 13. Figure-4 shows the arrayoffsprocketiwheelsiZSS across :the hack of1themachine. .'Afsprocket.chain 256passes 'over :and .under the various isprocke't wheels 1255 in4.the :manner shown vin Fignre H1. .It-.also passes around twoidler.sprocket :wheels .,257 :at `oppcs-ite ends .cof the gaseosa and:somewhat below `the wheels 255. A rocker arm 258 isfattached tothefsprocketchain 256 and is` reckably mounted at 259 upon a brace 260extending across be` tween the two support legs 72 and 73.` `A link261is pivotally attached to the arm 258 -and also to a crank 262. Aswill appear from the description of the overall drive mechanism whichfollows, the operation of the `crank262 is coordinated with the othermovements of `the operating head mechanisms in proper sequence. a

1 Thepri'ncipal drive source of the machine is an electricmotor 275supported upon a base plate or shelf 276 secured tothe legs 68, 69, 72`and 73. The motor drives a belt 277 that in turn drives a pulleyforming the outer member, of a one-revolution clutch 278. The clutch 278is, `when engaged, adapted to drive a shaft 279 supported in appropriatebearings on the frame of the machine, and, as irs illustrated especiallyin Figures 2, 3 and 4,` extending beyond the limits of thetwo legs 70and 71 `at the right side of the machine. The outer endfof theshaft``279 has a friction brake 281. The brake comprisesa cylinder 282attached to the shaft 279 as is` shown especially in Figures 3 and l0,this cylinder being re- ,ceived between two arcuate complementary Vendsof arms 283 and 284 that` are mounted upon a screw 285 that passesthrough their overlapping lower ends. `The screw 285 is held by suitablelock nuts onto the cross member 286 of the frame that extends betweenlegs 70` and 71. An outer lock nut 287 is designed particularly to holdthe two arms 283 and 284 onto the screw 285.

` A machine screw 288 connects the upper ends of the twoarms and isadjustable so asto vary the frictionimposedby Ythe arms upon the brakecylinder 282. Adjustment of the screw, therefore, enables the user toimpose enough drag on the shaft to avoidover-travel when `the motor isdeenergized or power is otherwise cut `off.`

The clutch 278 is of the one-revolution type, operated byelectromagnetic means. The details are not shown, since these devicesare commercially available and wellknown. Theclutch is connected anddisconnected intermittently, so that the motor 275 may run continuously.

, The shaft 279 also has a spur gear 292 that drives another spur gear2931 drivingly connected to a short shaft 294.` The shaft 294 issupported above the shaft 279 in suitable bearings on the framework. Theshaft 294 `drives a bevelled gear set `295 to` operate the `shaft 296upon which the crank 262 is mounted. By thisv means, the crank 262canrotate, and in so doing can oscillate `thearm 258 to reciprocatethesprocket chain 256 and thereby to oscillate all of the thread tubes 247.While Asome tubes 247 oscillate in one direction, and `others in ftheopposite direction, they all move the same amount. The gear`293 of theshaft 294 also meshes with an upper spurrgear 298 that drives thepreviously mentioned shaft 182, which is `supported in suitable bearingsjso that it can extend across the machine from side to side. `The shaft182 directly drives the various eccentrics 181 so as to move the slides167 in and out. `At `its middle portion, the shaft 182 has a sprocket`wheel 300 that idrives a sprocket chain 301, a sprocket 302 and acounter` `shaftf303. ;This counter shaft is mounted inbearings`-supported on brackets 304 that project fbackwardly "from the legs 72and `73of the machine. i wgThe counter shaft has on it anotherfsprocketwheel 5 305mdriving`1a.sprocketchain 306 passing around ;a.

sprocket wheel 307 keyedto the shaft 120 that passes tthroughthe headsto drive the punch cams 161. i The/clutch 278 is adapted to be energizedunder regula'- jftion" of anelectric solenoid 308 shown especiallyinFig- 41"1` res`3 and 5, it being supported upon the framework.`

The solenoid 308, when energized, lifts an actuating f clutch plunger309, which causes the clutch to drivethe shaft 279 for one revolution,`and then to open, pas` is Ytypicalwith clutches ofthisjtype.. v

" In' order to" energize the clutch solenoid 308, a'limit is provided sothat itjcanbe actuated by the infeed of newstrip material across the topof the machine.

For the foregoingpurposes, a bar 310 is supported by a pair of bracketsprojecting from the upstanding` elementsf140 or 141 of `two of the heads63. Figure 11 illustrates one of thesebrackets 312. Each bracket has a`setscrew 313. When the setscrews are loose, the bar or rod 310 may beadjusted crosswise of the machine, and then held againin the adjustedposition when the setscrews 313 are again tightened.

' Figures 29 and 30 show the limit switclh'mounting` in detail, it alsoappearing in Figure 2. There is `a bracket 315 attached by a setscrew tothe rod310 depending from that rod." The switch housing 316 is mountedupon the bracket. 'Ihe switch housing pivotally receives a limit switchactuating foot 317 which depends from one sidey of the switch downwardlyand backwardly to within a guide 207 where it can be struckby a newstrip S feed-4 ing `from left to right across the top of the machine.When it is so struck by the strip, the foot 317 is rocked relative tothe switch 316 and depresses a switch actuating pin 318. This energizesthe clutch solenoid 308, to close the pulley clutch 278 to initiate asingle revolution of the shaft 279, and to produce operations of themachine in proper` sequence, as will be described.

The switch 316 may be adjusted across the" rod 310 so thatthe length ofstrip material of the machine can be preset.

Operation The machine is illustrated as havingeight heads, which meansthat it can supply eight rows of cording across `the blind or otherslatted fabric that is being woven by the machine. In such case, thefabric willhave maximum width of` which the particular illustratedmachine is capable.`

However, the drawings illustrate the limit switch as set over so as tostop the infeed of the strip materialjto heads `short of the right ofthe machine. Consequently, there will be only six heads actually in use.The other heads become automatically inoperative to feed the cord andtheir activitiy in operating` their punches is of no signiicauce. n i

Each of the punch and die sets must be set up with the appropriatepunches 155. Each punch `head 152 is adapted to receive different punchsets 155 and to that end is provided with a screw 156 by means of which`any suitable punch may be secured to it. The punches must be selectedto suit the width ofthe stripmaterial in the shape of the notches to becut. Similarly," the Vdies are made to correspond with the punches. Eachdie 147 (Figures 16 and 17) appropriate to the chosen punch is thusplaced in position on its die plate 145 and secured by its screw 149,the pins 151 aiding in obtaining proper alignment of this part in themachine.

To begin the operation of the machine, therefore, the two motors 98 and2'75` are started. This runs the feed mechanism, and the driving endonly of the clutch 278. The limit switch 316 is adjusted on the bar 310to predetermine the width of the slatted fabric to be made. The `stripmaterial is fed from a supply coil or source through the guide` andbetween the feed wheels 90 and 91, so that itv may be fed` to the rightby the driving feed `wheel 90.

{With the feed motor 98 running, and driving the feed roller 90,thestrip S is caused to be fed from left to right. The friction of thefeed drive is adjustable by adjusting the screw 96 at the top of thefeed mechanism, `thereby varying the pressure exerted by the upper feedroll 91 on the top of the strip. From the feed rolls, the strip isguided by the guide 111 to below the cutter block `113 which carries thecutter blade 116. At this time, owing to the positionof theshaft at thestart of the machine, the cutter block 113 is elevated. Therefore thestrip S is`- fed tothe right, entering and passing into the processed byVeach cycle assenso y.121 several guides .207 `of thehe'ads 6?. Inethisoperation, itlrnayengage the .sloping leftfaces ofthe spring-urgedfingers .210, .whichmaintain the .strip rearwardly ,against thebackedges .of .thefguides 20,7.. Y,Finally it strikes the foot 317 ofthe limitswitch. 'Being confined to the guide 20.7, Athe strip, whichmay be .of one of the plastic materials such as .polystyrene .of.eoncavo-convex cross seetion, .cannot buckle, and so movesthe foot or.feeler '3'17 tothe right, closing the ,switchf316. This `quickly closesthe clutch 278 and causes .the `l-arge .motor 275ltoibe connected .to.the output .shaft ,279 of thev cluteh. VAs soon as the .clutch .is onceclosed, the .limit vswitch mayor vmay notv reopen, but Ithe clutch.'remainclo'sed until [it completes .one revolution of .the `shaft .279.v f

The .shaft 29.4 4is then `started 'nrotation at 'Qnelhalf thespeed oftheshaft279, and theshaft 182 is start'edinto rotation at the same :speedas .thesha'ft 27.9. As soon/as the.shaft.182.starts to rotate, thesprocket `chain '301 drives Ithe counters'haft 303' which, lin turn,through thev sprocket chain .306 drives the Vshaft 120. Thus, in effect,the shaft 120 Ais startedinto rotation-almost simultaneously withtheclosingof the `limit .switch .316.

Assoon as theshaft 120 begins to rotate, itpromptly removes .the notch'122 lfrom the .cam roller 123 -on the shear, and drives theshearplate113 downwardly, cutting oiflthe previously infed portion of the stripS.`Thethead 1113 vremains down until Athe revolution of .the shaft A120 iscompleted, which will occur simultaneously with `the reopening of theclutch 278. Although the `feed motor' 98 continues to cause strip tov.be fed to the right at the wheels 90 Vand 91, the cutter acts .as abarrier ,and ,the stripnmaterial .buckles .in alargeloop which,'f.if themaf .terial be concavo-convex polystyrene, will attempt -to strightenitself outassoon as it is `permitted to do;s.0 vthehftingof the block113 and the cutter 116. This arrangement causes the infeed of all stripsafter the first oneto be quite rapid.

vAfter the first strip is cutoff, itisresting in the guides 207 .againstthe backV walls thereof, being ,urged backwardly 1by the spring actuatedguiding arms210.

.Atthe stage .thus reached, thereis a `stripSacross .the `first sixheads 63. ofthe machinelocated over .their several dies and rearwardlyas far as it may go. The upstanding .fingers 185.011 thev arms 184.0fthe slides,167. are all behind 1thesrear -edge of .the strip.Therpunches are allfelevated because the cam of the shaft .120.hasnotmadeany elec'- tive 4amount of .rotation at the ,time ythe feed ,is,stopped :and the cut-offtakes p'lace.

At this .time also, the. crossheads v19.0 and .theslides .167 .are drawn:forwardly underthe actionof .the.sprir1 gS..19.5, as far as .they canmove. .They occupy the positionfillustratedin Figure 16.

. Atthetime the .clutch 278 beginsto drive .the shaft -279,.the.shaft29.4-willbe drivenat half .the speed of the shaft 279. It will cause.the shaftf296l to make correspond- .ing rotation and will,commence..a.half .revolution ofthe .arm 262. The arm262 .will rock the .link2,61.a11d.the rockerarm .258 in.Figure .4, which, in.turn, will .beginaone-half revolutioniof ,theseveral .cord guide .tubes 2.47.

.It may be .noted from AFigure 16, for example, that .the

hole .250.through which .the thread passesis located .at .about aten-thirty oclock position when. thefmachineQis ,in .thecondition asillustrated. Themovementsoffthe tubes 247 are designed to cause thecords to cross over .thedies .after ...the slat has been .notched byAthe punch operation .and displaced to parallel yjuxtapositionnwith,theneXt-pre- Aviously .formed slat. Howevenin theinitialoperationofthe=machine,the cords are not yetdrawn acrosstheslot.

As .the .shaft .279 rotates, .theshafts 182.and 120..are .caused to.rotate,. as .already noted. ,ReferencetoEigure .13 shows thatrotationofthe 4shaft 120beginsfal-counterclockwise rotation of .therpunch operating: cams 161. .During ..the ,first part of "this.rotationbf .these cams, ,theleis ,no substantialdepressing.oftthepunches Consequently Ythe punehesdonotinterfere.withthefeedingcyeleofrthe la strip. However, -by a `little .over a quarter.reYQlllllQn ,O f. the shafts .120, the punehesareeaused to vbe .drivendown to notch `the edges of thestrip, vasjis illustrated infFigures 39and 40. As soon .asthe .earns 1.6.1 release the ,e m1".f. .1V lowers160, the springs 153 ,immediately relift the Sill heads from .the.strip.[As noted, the `shaft ,182 is, fin `the meanwhile, at the same rate asthe shaft 120. In the 'initialconditiom the several eccentrics 181 arein the rpositions,1illnsftrate'l in .Figure 13., which means ,that theslides 1,67 are rearward as .far as they can go, and the fingers 185arebehind .the

strip S. During the initial rotation `of theeccentrics thefollowers 180do not cause lauy movement of .the fns 177 on the slides 167 ,because ofthe slots around thevpins.' lhus, .there is no movement of the slidesuntil thepunehing .operation is completed, somewhere aroundr1,20Q`degrees after the rotation begins. AS ,Soon as the Y,puricliiiigoperation iscornpleted, however, the eccentrics ,will begin to drivetheslides 167 forwardly.

In thisactifon, the fingers 185 act againsttherear edge lofthe strip, aslillustrated in `Figure 26. 'Ihestripinthe meanwhile rests on vtheshoulder 1860i eachsli de,alja .C entjits two Vfingers 185. The slides.167 move forwardly, the fingers ,-185 pulling the .strip forwardly withthem. Under the indieatedcir- .eumstances where there is no previouslyformedr slatted fabric, ,the.crossheads may-move forward withthe .slides1.67, underthe inuence of the springs 195. Thefstrip will be drawnoverthe topofthe pairs of `pins 200, to thepQsi- `tion illustrated inFigure .17, depressing thepinsinthe process. `It will be noted ythat thenger smovea.,little kforwardly ofthe 'front edges of-the lpi1:\s. 2,0,0,`so thatthQSe `.pinscan snap upwardly after the ,strip vhas passed .overthem. Then as the .eccentrics 181- cornplete their course., returningtothe positions of Figure 1^3,.they will movethe slides againrearwardly, but the strip will `be hooked `by the .grooves 203m the`pins 200 and cannotmovexearf wardly.

.Either at this timeor at an appropriatetime after.the punchingiscompleted, and one strip is thus punched, the ymachine should Abevstopped andeachpair of 4,cords- 230 and .231 drawn forwardly andtied-.intoa knot .forwardly of thefrontedge of the strip. In theillustrated positionof .the limit switch 316, six pairs of cords are.used. Ass'oon Yasrthis has been done, the slack in the cords is removedby .drawing them backwardly of the vtensioning devices 52.3.6 -untiltheyare taut. Theknots will ybe in thelforward notchesofmhe slat, and theslatwillbe, held by `the,several .tied cords rearwardly against the pins20.0. YWhen Aall 'of the .tying is thus ;completed, the machine -isstarted ,into operation again. At this time, the irstey'cle canhav beenCompleted and the parts returnedto the'lposition's illustrated.

.As soon asthe cycle forming the iirst slat is completed, the vcuttervplate is reelevated, by return ofthe no`tc h 12 2 ofthe-,cutter cam-119 to the ,follower 1,23. Thispermits lthe `newstripV material`previously curved into aloop, nto 'move` rapidly to theright until itengagesthelfoot of .the .limit switch. The end of the previous cyclewill have caused the clutch 278 to release so that reelosing ofthe limitswitch restarts the clutch for another single revolution. 'The new stripis thus disposed within thenguidestw and is urged rearwardly by theseveralingers210.

As soonas the feeder motor 98starts againythefeutter Ais aginactuatedand the feed is stopped-whilei'thesevered 'second i strip is Vfurtherprocessed.

At this time, .the vsecond strip will 4have "slipped :in Abetween .therearwardly .diverging cords 12.3.0 iandq231. Figure 45 illustrates thepositionvthe strip'occupiesfinrthe `machriejust-prior tothe.punehingoperation @ne-,of -thecords 230 is illustrated as being abovethe .strip while the other Acord231 is below the strip. Thetension@n.the Icords `holds .last slat .of the previously formedslatted fabricfirmly against thepinsi20. l

.As vheretofore noted, .the second A,action prddueeikby 13 the timingshafts after the formed; t namely, the punching operation.

181` will draw the slides 167 forward of the machine. In this action,the newly formed slat is drawn toward the previous slats andinto the-apexes between the cords 230 and 231 that diverge rearwardly from thelast-formed slat. This action takes place in such wise that the notcheson-fthe forward edgeofthe `new slat lare aligned with thel apexes of thecords. `As theforegoingyaction starts, the new slat S is resting in itsrearward edge on the shoulders 186 of the slide 167, andit is alsoresting across the dies and the guides. The previously formed slat isheld against the pin's 200. The forward movement of the ngers 185 pullsthenew slat over the top of the dies 147, and then over `the uppersurfaces of the crosshead 190.` These surfaces slope downwardly andrearwardly `so that the slat can slip onto them, having its forward edgeelevated, so thatvit may overlap the rearward edge of the previouslyformed slat. i Finally, the fingers 185 engage the crosshead 190 anddraw it forwardly `with the` newly formed slat. l

shearing action is then peri- After"` the punching operation has beencompleted, the eccentrics essere@ the feeding motor in driving conditionto supply"alriotl'ie'r` strip `to be` fabricated and formed into theslatted material or` fabric.y The subsequent cycle of` this stripwill beidentical with the foregoing, save only that the crank 262 inthesubsequent cycle will operate in the other 180 of its rotation, andthe tubes 247 will be operated in `the direction` opposite `that of theprevious cycle. Otherwise, however, the action is in all respects thesame,

`The width of the fabric being formed.` is predetermined by the positionof the limit switch .finger that closes the one-revolution clutch. Thelength `of. the fabric is deter,- mined by how many slats are employed.i The width of the slats can bevaried with appropriate changing of 1thedies and punches; but the rest of the machine is capable have noovertravel in the shaft 279 after the clutch `has Reference to Figure 26shows that the previously'.`

formed fabric is drawn forwardly by the forward `vertical edges of thecrosshead 190,-after the crosshead moves forwardly `of the pins200.'Ihis forward movement of the previously formed fabric, therefore,draws more thread through the tensioning devices.

This forward movement of the slides 167 continues until the parts reachthe position shown in Figure 17, inwhichfthe newly `formed slat has itsforward edge elevated above the` rearward edge of the previously formedslat. The springs 195 on the slides urge the crossheads forwardly, butdo not have enough force to over-` come the resistance applied by thetensioning devices 236.` Therefore, the crossheads `190, once they haveengaged the previously-formedmateriaL lag behind the 195 are extended.However, finally the fingers 185 positively engage the crossheads 190anddisplace them, along with the previously-formed material, to theposition of forward movement of thefslide 167, while the springs Figure17, in which the newly formed slat has its reart ward edge just forwardof the pins 200. l e `Continued rotation of the eccentrics 181 will,after adelay caused by the pin and slot connection 177, start therearward movement `of the slides 167. In this action,

the fingers `185 move rearwardly away from the just# t The springs 195,however, hold the crossformed slat. t head's`3i190 forwardly and therebyhold the previously formed fabric forwardly, until the rearward edges ofthe slides 167 strike the forward edges of the crossheads 190 anddisplace the crossheads back tothe position of Figure 16, where theirrearward edges rest against the forward edges of the` dieplates 147. Asthe `fingers 185 thus release the slatted fabric, the tension on thecords by the resiliency of the cords draws the fabric up until becomedisengaged. ThisA brake 281 is adjusted to prevent such overtravel andyetto providethe minimum` degree of load consonant with elimination ofovertravel.

AThere are other points of adjustment in the machine...

For example, the connection of the eccentric follower` 180and the pin177 on the slide1f67, illustrated in Figure 13, `can beadjustedin themanner illustrated there. This isprimarily useful to insure that therearward` position of the slide 167 is accurate. t.

It can` be seen that a `machine has been providedto fabricate `a slattedmaterial, that can perform allthe operations automatically, and that isflexible in many respects sotasto `'accommodate all ordinary variationsin the material. i

What is claimed is: t `1. In a machine for making slatted fabric: acording mechanism; means for feeding slat material from a supply tothecording mechanism;` means` operated by the infed slat materialsuccessively to cut off slats of pre-` determined length; means fordisplacing thesevered slat laterally to parallel overlappingrelationship `with previouslyformed slats, and the cording mechanisminclud` ing means for cording the severed slat to the previously formed.slats with its` edgeoverlapping the edge of the last-formed slat. l

the most recently formed slat engages the pins 200.` 'Ihe t overlapofthe new slatis determined by the cross-over `of the jcordsat thejuncture of the slats, it being apparent that the forward edge notches`of the new slat register with the rearward edge notches of the previousslat, to4

Finally, the parts will return to their initial positions, r

and the one-revolution clutch will drop out, leaving only 2. The machineof claim l, .wherein there is notching means with thecording mechanism,with means operating the notching means to notch the edge of the slatbefore itis displaced into `position with .the previously formed slats.

3. The machine of claim l, wherein the displacing means comprises means`to move the vslat` laterally, means to tix the, elevation of the leadingedge in- `such movement, relatively to the previously formed slat,` sothat` it overlaps the same, :and means to hold the cordedslats togetherwhile a subsequent slat is being formed.

u 4.., The machineof claim 3, wherein the cording mechanism includescord-supply, resistingly yieldable tensionapplying means permitting thecord to bewithdrawn from the supply as a new slat is added to thematerial by operation of the displacing means, the cords therebyapplying Vforce drawing the cord taut. t u e t,

5. In a machine for making slatted fabric: a supporting frame; means onthe frame to receive a strip of material, a slide on the frame movablelaterally of the strip, having means to engage the strip and move itlaterally, means on the slide to locate the elevation of the leadingedge of the strip so it may be moved into overlapping relationship topreviously fabricated strips; cording means to cord the strip intoconnection with theV previously fabricated strips; the' cording meansincludingl means yieldably applying force to the cord tending to drawthe fabricated slats in the direction opposite that in which the yslidedisplaces the slat; abutment means on the frame, the slide being movableto displace the slat beyond the abutment means, and the abutment meansthen holding l gagementv with, the1 previously-formed' slats.

. .15 the., Slat against returnmovaiaat with the Slide; Hatier m11'fa/e. Q't'thaf 'raaarithajaord 4Strips.. onrflacltad. with. tha. Cordaandi'diaplaa@ tham. in ad.-

vane of the newly formed Slat as the slide moves the latter.

7.Y The machine of claim 6, wherein theA cooperable means comprises anelement an the slide that engagea the strip andpositions its forwardedge for overlapping en- L 8'. In a ymachine for making slatted f bricby adding aslat to previously formed slats cordedV together:v a sup-Vvporting frame, la reciprocable device connected -with the frame (toreceive a strip, the device being movable laterally ofthe strip forthand back, to displace the 4strip laterallyinto parallel associationWith-the other strips; cording means" to fasten the strip4 to otherstrips includ-* ing-a pair of cords attached toi-the otherstrips,divergingr from the last of them in an angle, `andbeing'disposedon.- opposite sides of'the'newfslat, the cording meansapplying tension tothe cordsH `in a diifcctipnl opposite to that inywhich the new'strip4 is moved bythe reciproeable device;- abut'menbmeansonthe frame, beyond whichthe slide can move the strip and against whichthe s t-rip can 'return andI beheld by theV tension of the cords; andmeans coordinated with the reciprocable device to engage the previouslycorded strips and displace them away from the abutment means to permit af`new`strip to be introduced behind the abutmentimeans. l i 9. VThe'machine of claim 8, wherein the coordinated means includes an elementthat also engages the new strip and positions its forward' edge tooverlap the. adjacent edge of Vthe previously formed strip.

10.*The Amachine of claim 9, wherein the element cited therein ismovable relatively to the recipuroeable device, and is engageab'leby-the same 'to'V vbe displaced thereby lto move lthe material asaforesaid, and means yieldably urging the element into such engagement.

llfThe machine of claim 8 with strip ntching means,

and means operating ,the same, to notch the strip prior t0 its `beingdisplaced into, the previously-formed material.

` '1*2. The combination of'clairn 11, wherein there are means toposition the strip 4and hold vthe' same against lateral displacementduring 'the operation of the notching means.4 Y A 13. The combination of`lair'n l1 wherein there is a single power-operated member drivingly connetedIto both -theif'recipoeable Ydevice and lthe `ntching means, tooperate the same 'in predetermined time relationship. `V *14; Thecombination of claim 'l'wherein thereis operating means toy causepower-operation ofVV the poweroperated member, .and 4means actuatedbythe advance of to infeed of strip material by thefeeding manssfl p`1'6. The combination of. claim124, I hereinthe means... actuated by thestrip is adjustable in the `direction, oriana:l

feed of the istrip, so that the length .oftthenstrips may'bevpreselected. t .i

-1T7 A machine for making slatted materiali by adding: slats intomaterial'formedof slats previously,cordedt glether, comprising: a framehaving a. plurality oiihegds ther-con forreciprocation forth and backacrossztheframm'; meansy for `feeding strip material: across the; head$;headshaving punch and dienieansand` means@ RQSQIM: the inted materialwithmesplect ,to thelltumliangl` (liegmeansydisplaceable. meansassociated with eaeh head; ga'geable with the strip. in such, position,.endgmqlthlf tol displace it transversely.. of theheads intoparallelginit?,-u1 position with the last-formed slat in the previously@foi-ggg@ material; vthere being two. cordsV for each hadrsxtdilg frornthev previously` corded. mate al d g strip. andl the other below it, sothat the stripfis d into. the apexes termed between the cords" v head;means for reversing the c` Y reverse the positions of the upper andmeans, and means. kfeormecting the power -meanstofthef punch. and `diemeans., ill@ displaceable means, and-.thi

togoperate in .the sequence last named.

18.; The machine ofclaim .177, v.wharain there@ shearing;.maans .toisaverslats` fram. a .aprlyf af sail?) material.; limit switchadilstably Sntsdn ,1113; path ef .the tilted. stra,r and` d b 12a.Strips tiene ted'intathe ,location Qf th i' eperated by thalimt h EOSie@ Eile Re cal-1s@ `it to. operate the-iStriP-Sl?, 119 1h the,otharmeans .the order rraviailalyi ,11.1 lseee.. :19. .In amahirlatormakiiig slatted fbf, ing frame; means onthe frame topjec ,gftgliaterial, standing means. `diaafalt the atri? dnlasamnt between .thef'adasfif. @das Otel en yinto the` bric ran hlelasthpre strip. :SQ thatthe .S aileerlt The machins Qf alain? .19 Wh?, notchedadjacentthe/cords, and there. ar ,tvv cords .9111 aahaitle .af the Strip., .aaamataba. @gaat 1911.@ at@ aad

